Thinkcar OBD2 diagnostic scanners
A large OBD2 scanner maker with well-reviewed Bluetooth dongles and tablet scan tools and a strong Trustpilot record, but with paid software and return shipping that is yours.
Capable scanners from a big maker, where the real cost is in the software and the small print
Thinkcar makes Bluetooth OBD2 dongles such as the ThinkDiag and tablet-style bi-directional scan tools such as the ThinkScan 689BT, and sells them through mythinkcar.com, which it says it operates directly. The store also carries the sister Mucar line.
Independent coverage is positive but dated. Tom's Guide called the ThinkDiag TKD01 dependable, praising its readings of basic and enhanced codes and its hard case, and marked it down for size, setup and an app that costs $40 after the first year. The store has a Trustpilot score of 4.8 out of 5 from 815 reviews, with support praised. The things to weigh are paid software on the dongles, a 30-day return policy where you pay return shipping, and a few reviews about delayed features.
Right for
- Car owners and home mechanics who want to read and clear codes and go beyond basic OBD2
- Buyers who want a bi-directional tablet tool and prefer free updates, such as the 689BT
- People who will check vehicle coverage before buying
Wrong for
- Anyone who wants a scanner with no ongoing software costs on every brand
- Buyers who may need an easy, free return
- Professionals who need dealer-level coverage across all makes
+What it gets right
- Independent test. Tom's Guide rated the ThinkDiag TKD01 dependable and listed a hard case and enhanced-code reading among its pros.
- Strong customer rating. Trustpilot shows 4.8 out of 5 from 815 reviews, 91% five-star, with support and fast replies praised.
- Free updates on some tools. The ThinkScan 689BT page advertises lifetime free updates for all supported vehicle brands.
- Wide range. Dongles, tablet scan tools, a key programmer, TPMS tools and accessories are sold in one store.
- Clear shipping fees. The delivery policy lists free standard shipping and a flat fast-shipping fee.
−Where it slips
- Paid software. On the ThinkDiag, Tom's Guide found one vehicle make free for a year, then $40 a year per make.
- 30-day returns, buyer pays. Return shipping is paid and insured by you, and shipping charges are not refunded.
- Narrow exclusions. Refunds are not available for products from unauthorized resellers, giveaways or items with misuse damage.
- Delayed features. Some recent reviewers say promised software features, such as the topology map, were delayed.
- Size and fit. Tom's Guide found the ThinkDiag too thick for the OBD port of its 2014 Audi A4 Allroad and recommended an extension cable.
- Dated independent testing. The Tom's Guide review we found was last updated in February 2024 and covers an older model.
Weighted for capability, ongoing software cost and how buyers are treated
Independent testing and ongoing costs carry the most weight, because a scanner's value depends on its software. This is a desk-research score: we have not tested a Thinkcar tool ourselves.
The long version
What the brand sells, what independent testers found and what its store policies say.
What Thinkcar is
Thinkcar makes car diagnostic tools, from small Bluetooth dongles that pair with a phone app to tablet-style scan tools for technicians. Its About page says the brand claims 182+ software copyrights, 357+ patents and more than 1.4 million active users, and describes mythinkcar.com as the official shopping and technical support site that Thinkcar operates directly. The store also sells the Mucar line.
What independent testers found
The independent review we could verify is Tom's Guide's test of the ThinkDiag TKD01, by Brian Nadel (last updated 14 February 2024). The verdict called it one of the largest Bluetooth OBD-II scanners, able to show extended fault codes and turn off the oil change light, but hard to install and with a pricey subscription plan. The pros were a hard case, reading of basic and enhanced codes and lots of paid optional abilities. The cons were that it is big and heavy, hard to install and that the app costs $40 after a year.
The reviewer could not fit it into the OBD port of a 2014 Audi A4 Allroad without an extension cable, and setup took about five minutes versus less than one for many rivals. The scanner carries a one-year warranty. The article quotes a $90 price in one place and $110 in another, so treat the price as dated.
What customers report
The mythinkcar.com store has a claimed Trustpilot profile with 4.8 out of 5 from 815 reviews, 91% five-star and 4% one-star. The company replies to about 12% of negative reviews. Recent positive reviews praise fast customer service and quick fixes for software faults or lost activation codes. Negative ones mention shipping delays of more than three weeks and some promised software features, such as a topology map, arriving late or being restricted.
Best sellers
ThinkDiag
The best-selling dongle sells at $118 ($135 list). The listing says it offers bi-directional and active tests, ECU coding, 15 reset services, live data, coverage of up to 115 manufacturers and one free manufacturer software after activation. The product page shows 30-day returns, a 1-year warranty and lifetime support.
ThinkScan 689BT
A tablet tool at $499.94 ($639.94 list). The listing names an 8 in. touchscreen, CAN-FD and DoIP support, ECU coding and bi-directional tests, 34+ maintenance functions, AutoVIN and AutoScan, and FCA gateway access. The page title advertises "Lifetime Free Updates", with the line "For all supported vehicle brands".
Returns, shipping and terms
- Returns. 30 days after receipt, with the item in original condition and packaging and proof of purchase. An activated device can be refunded if there is no artificial damage.
- Costs. Return shipping is paid and insured by you, and shipping and handling charges are not refunded.
- Exclusions. Unauthorized resellers, giveaway products, lost or stolen items, third-party repairs and misuse damage.
- Shipping. Free standard shipping (3 to 15 days) or a fast option, with 1 to 3 business days of processing, and customs fees are the buyer's.
- Software. The service agreement says in-app purchases are not refundable after download.
Buying advice
Match the scanner to your car with the compatibility checker, read what is free and what is paid, and buy from the official store or an authorised dealer. Test the scanner within the first days, since the return window is 30 days.
Everything on paper
Figures from mythinkcar.com product and policy pages, Tom's Guide and Trustpilot, checked 12 Oct 2026.
Warranty, software and return terms differ by product and by country. Check the product page you are buying.
Two scanners worth a look
The ThinkDiag is the entry-level Bluetooth dongle with an app, and the ThinkScan 689BT is a tablet tool for broader bi-directional work. Prices are mythinkcar.com prices on 12 Oct 2026, with list price in brackets.
| Scanner | Price | What it offers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThinkDiag | $118 ($135) | Bluetooth dongle with all-system diagnostics, bi-directional tests, 15 reset functions and live data | One free manufacturer software, then paid per brand; 1-year warranty |
| ThinkScan 689BT | $499.94 ($639.94) | 8 in. tablet with CAN-FD, DoIP, ECU coding, 34+ maintenance functions and AutoVIN | Lifetime free updates advertised; page lists 30-day returns and 1-year warranty |
Choose the ThinkDiag if you want a cheap, small dongle and need a single make. Choose the 689BT if you want a standalone tablet with broad bi-directional functions and no per-brand fees.
Questions people actually ask
Is Thinkcar legit?
Is mythinkcar.com the official site?
Does the ThinkDiag need a subscription?
Does the ThinkScan 689BT have free updates?
What is the Thinkcar return policy?
Will it fit my car?
Visit Thinkcar
Check vehicle coverage for the exact scanner, note which software is free and which is paid, and keep the packaging for 30 days. Buy from the official store or an authorised dealer, since refunds exclude unauthorized resellers.
Thinkcar
ThinkDiag, ThinkScan and Mucar scanners, key tools and accessories from the brand's own store.
Visit ThinkcarThinkDiag
Bi-directional Bluetooth OBD2 dongle at $118 with a free first manufacturer software. Find it on the store.
Find it at ThinkcarThinkScan 689BT
8 in. tablet with ECU coding, $499.94 and advertised lifetime free updates. Find it on the store.
Find it at ThinkcarPrices observed 12 Oct 2026 and subject to change. This is an affiliate link.
Well-regarded scanners, bought with eyes open on software and returns
Thinkcar offers a broad range of scanners at prices below many professional tools, and its customer feedback is strong. The independent test we found called the ThinkDiag dependable, and the 689BT advertises free updates.
The ongoing cost is the part most buyers miss. Dongle software can cost per brand after the first year, returns are at your expense and recent reviews mention delayed features. Confirm coverage for your car and read the product page's software terms before ordering.
Consider it if you
- You have confirmed the scanner supports your vehicle and the functions you need
- You are comfortable with a 30-day return window and paying return shipping
- You want a tablet tool with free updates, or a dongle with paid brand software
Skip it if you
- You want a one-time purchase with no software fees on a dongle
- You may need a free or easy return
- You need guaranteed dealer-level coverage across every make
How this review was put together
This is a desk-research review. We have not tested a Thinkcar scanner. Product details, prices and policies come from mythinkcar.com (checked 12 Oct 2026); hands-on findings from Tom's Guide's review of the ThinkDiag TKD01 (last updated 14 Feb 2024); reputation from the Trustpilot profile for mythinkcar.com. An owner review of the 689BT that we found was labelled sponsored, so we did not use it. We wrote our own text. The images are our own screenshots of public mythinkcar.com pages, taken on 12 Oct 2026 and shown for review and commentary; the content and branding belong to Thinkcar, and we will remove them if asked. We did not download or reuse image files or logos, and we did not review the brand's affiliate programme terms.
Big Time Bikers is independent and is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by Thinkcar. The link to Thinkcar is an affiliate link: if you buy through it we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and this never changes a score. We did not receive payment or a free product for this review.